Formula 1 teams now have an alternative option of fuel flow sensor, with the FIA having homologated a second design.

Up until now, F1 teams have all been using sensors supplied by Gill Motorsport Systems, as it was the only company whose onboard unit had passed tough FIA approval checks.

However, a new unit from Sentronics Limited has now been given the green light and offers F1 teams a choice.

Unique design

Sentronics says its second-generation sensor has a completely different mechanical and electronic set-up compared to its competitor, with a unique flow-path that is aimed at making it as consistent and reliable as possible.

F1 teams faced difficulties early on under the new engine regulations of achieving the consistency they wanted with fuel-flow rates, although matters have improved as everyone understands the technology better.

Motorsport.com has learned that F1 engine manufacturers have already been in dialogue with Sentronics about evaluating the new unit – and the first dyno tests of the sensors are expected to take place soon.

The move is particularly interesting because maximising fuel flow has become increasingly important, which is why focus in this area has ramped up and Gill has made improvements to its unit since last year.

Rigorous tests

Sentronics managing director Neville Meech said: "The FIA's and competitors' experience of the technology in its first year understandably had an effect on the approach to homologation a second sensor.

"Practically speaking, this led to a much more rigorous set of validation criteria for homologation alongside the technical specification itself.

"Satisfying these requirements has been a challenging and lengthy process, but I can say our end product is all the stronger for it."

As well as being homologated for F1 use, the Sentronics system is approved for FIA's World Endurance Championship LMP1 category too.